Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Dinner

Dancing & Pictures

The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa

Summer

Our Wedding

Derrick and I first met on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Calvert County Baptist Church following morning service. What began as a simple introduction quickly turned into something special. We spent the remainder of that day talking on the phone, learning about each other’s childhoods, sharing life experiences, and discovering just how much we had in common. From that very first conversation, there was a natural connection that neither of us could ignore.Soon after, we went on our first date and shared dinner together at Eggspectation in Gambrills, Maryland. Between laughter, meaningful conversation, and getting lost in the moment, it became clear that something beautiful was beginning to unfold.By October 2024, Derrick had already begun planning our future. In a heartfelt and thoughtful gesture, he asked my mother for my hand in marriage, knowing he would soon ask me to spend the rest of my life with him.On Monday, October 28, 2024, I traveled to Montreal, Canada, for a Strategic Planning work event. A few days later, on October 31, Derrick flew to Montreal to surprise me and met me at Hôtel Place d’Armes. The next morning, November 1, we stepped out together to explore the charming city and decided to have breakfast at Eggspectation — intentionally choosing the same restaurant where we had shared our very first date in the United States.As we sat enjoying breakfast and sipping mimosas, Derrick reached across the table, pulled out a ring, and asked the question that would change our lives forever: “Will you marry me?”Completely surprised, I burst into laughter — the joyful, overwhelming kind that comes when your heart is full and your dreams are unfolding right before your eyes. For nearly two minutes, I laughed without saying a word, while Derrick looked on, slightly puzzled, wondering if my laughter was my way of processing the moment. It may have also been the mimosa helping the excitement along.Finally, Derrick gently asked, “Is that a yes or a no?”Through laughter and happy tears, I finally answered, “Yes.”On November 1, 2024, in the beautiful city of Montreal, we became officially engaged — marking the beginning of our forever, built on faith, friendship, laughter, and love. 💍✨

How Our Story Began

Our Story 

Our Photos

Wedding Party

What Is Cocktail Wedding Attire?

Cocktail Dresses to Add to Your Cart ASAP

What Guys Need to Know About Dress Codes

Island dressy/ cocktail style and comfortable.Linen attire acceptablePlease: No shorts, swimwear, running shoes, sweat suits or jeans.

Dress Code

Q + A

This modern resort in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands is on the Caribbean Sea and features a full-service Heavenly Spa by Westin, infinity pools with sea views and on-site gourmet dining. All spacious, modern rooms offer Wi-Fi access and a spacious work desk. There is a refrigerator and a coffee maker in each room. The resort features rooms with a 65" flat-screen TV and private balcony in most rooms. Guests of the The Westin Beach Resort & Spa can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine Luna Mar, Asian influence at Sugarfin or an incredible buffet at Shorebird restaurant. In addition, Frenchman's Roast offers island brewed coffee, pastries, sandwiches and more. The Westin features three infinity pools featuring a swim up bar, hot tubs, and a kid's splash zone; all overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Guests have free access to the on-site Fitness Center. At the Westin, we also feature our own private dock featuring fishing excursions and daily snorkel and sunset cruises. Coral World is a 13-minute drive from this resort, while Mangrove Lagoon is a 10-minute drive away. Guests will also find Historic Hassel Island within 2.5 mi while Cyril E. King Airport is 5.3 mi from the resort.

Travel

Registry

derrickandjanelyn.com

Derrick & Janelyn

Derrick & Janelyn

D&J